MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intercepted a Chinese national wanted by South Korean authorities, an operation officials said reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border protection and prevent the Philippines from becoming a transit point for international criminals.

In a report to the BI leadership, Interpol unit chief Peter de Guzman said immigration officers stopped 50-year-old Zheng Nanzhe on November 15 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. Zheng, who is married to a Filipina and resides in the Philippines, attempted to depart on Philippine Airlines flight PR 2621 bound for Kti Krong Ta Khmau, Cambodia.

During standard departure screening, officers detected an active Interpol Red Notice issued in 2024 alerting them to Zheng’s identity and criminal background. He was immediately referred to duty supervisors for identity confirmation and verification of derogatory records.

Zheng is wanted in the Republic of Korea for alleged involvement in large-scale telecommunications-based financial fraud committed in 2024. Korean authorities reported that he was part of a syndicate that impersonated government investigators to deceive victims into surrendering debit cards and liquidating assets under the pretense of assisting in criminal investigations.

Victims were manipulated into canceling savings accounts, taking out loans using their homes as collateral, and transferring large sums of money to designated accounts. Zheng allegedly withdrew or transferred the stolen funds — totaling 1.46 billion Korean won — into a VIP junket account.

He faces charges for violating the Special Act on the Prevention of Loss Caused by Telecommunications-Based Financial Fraud and Refund for Loss, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison under Korean law.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado praised immigration officers for their vigilance, saying the agency remains aligned with national security directives.

“This interception speaks clearly to our commitment to the President’s mandate: criminals will find no refuge and no escape route through our borders,” Viado said. “The use of advanced border systems, combined with the diligence of our officers, ensures that foreign fugitives are stopped before they can flee. We will continue to reinforce our security posture and uphold the integrity of our borders,” he added.

Zheng is currently detained at the BI facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig while undergoing deportation proceedings.